Globalfoundries has announced a strategic partnership with SVTC Technologies to accelerate its move to high-volume MEMS manufacturing.

SVTC will provide access to its full-scale development facilities, allowing Globalfoundries to develop silicon-based solutions using a full complement of advanced CMOS and MEMS equipment. SVTC also will provide development support services and training on MEMS technology for Globalfoundries engineers.

Globalfoundries will initially focus its MEMS development initiatives on three applications, accelerometers, gyroscopes and RF MEMS. The foundry chipmaker said it aims to bring MEMS from a specialty manufacturing platform to high-volume production by focusing on standardization similar to advanced CMOS processes.

"We have a strong track record of MEMS manufacturing and many CMOS-based technologies that can be utilized by MEMS. Plans are in place to add infrastructure and expertise to support a dedicated MEMS manufacturing line in Fab 3E, with the goal of beginning volume production of MEMS devices by the third quarter of 2011," said Raj Kumar, senior VP of the 200mm Business Unit and general manager of Globalfoundries Singapore.